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Proxy Voting

Voting by proxy is a convenient way of voting if you are unable to get to a polling station. By proxy just means that you can appoint someone you trust to go and vote on your behalf.

Voting by proxy can be useful if you fall ill and are unable to get to the polling station on election day, or if you are abroad during an election. It can be particularly useful if you are overseas in a country too far away to send back a postal vote in time for the election.

You can apply for a proxy vote as long as you are on the electoral register. When you apply for a proxy vote you have to provide a reason. You can apply for a proxy vote if:

You are unable to go to the polling station for one particular election, for example, if you are away on holiday

You have a physical condition that means you cannot go to the polling station on election day

Your employment means that you cannot go to the polling station on election day

Your attendance on an educational course means that you cannot go to the polling station on election day

You are a British citizen living overseas

You are a crown servant or a member of Her Majesty's Armed Forces

Except if you are registered blind, you may have to get someone to support your application to confirm that your reason for applying to vote by proxy is valid. Read the notes that accompany the application form to find out if you need to get someone to support your application and who can do it.

You will need to complete a proxy vote application and return it to the Elections Office. Also contact us if you have any other queries about proxy voting.

Who can vote on my behalf?

Anyone can be your proxy as long as they are eligible to vote in UK elections and they are willing to vote on your behalf.

What happens after I have applied for a proxy vote?

Your proxy must go to your polling station to vote. If your proxy cannot get to the polling station, they can apply to vote for you by post. Your electoral registration office can give you more details about this

Your proxy will be sent a proxy poll card before the election telling them which polling station they have to go to

You must let your proxy know how you want them to vote on your behalf, for example, which candidate or which party

If you are able to go to the polling station on election day, you can still vote provided your proxy has not already done so or has not applied to vote by post

Fill in the form and make sure you sign it. Your proxy can also sign the form, but they do not have to. Return your completed form to your electoral registration office so it arrives at least six working days before the election.